Training News April 2011

By Staff Writer | April 1, 2011

CAE to Provide S-76 Sim Training

Under a partnership with Brazil’s Líder Aviação, CAE is planning to form a joint venture dedicated to providing simulation-based pilot training in South America. The venture will employ a Level D CAE 3000 Series full flight simulator to train on the Sikorsky S-76C++ starting in early 2012. The FFS, which will also supply S-76A, B and C+ training, will be located at CAE’s facility in Sao Paulo.

Era to Base AW139 Sims in Gulf

Lake Charles, La.-based Era Flight Training Center is planning to establish two AgustaWestland AW139 flight simulator training devices (FSTDs) in support of the Gulf Coast states. While a specific location has not been announced, the trainers will be located in one of 15 facilities in the Gulf. The company operates eight of 23 AW139s in the region, with orders or options for more than 20 additional helicopters, a dozen of which are scheduled to operate in the Gulf. Frasca International is building the FSTDs under a partnership with AgustaWestland and Era Group Inc.

CHC, CAE Finalize Training Agreement

CAE has completed the acquisition of CHC Helicopter’s rotorcraft flight training operations. Under the deal, CAE assumes ownership of CHC simulators in Stavanger, Norway and Aberdeen, UK and will train more than 2,000 helicopter pilots and mechanics. Pilot provisioning and some search and rescue (SAR) training are included in the contract, which was first announced in December 2010.

AS350 Sim Achieves NVG Certification

FAA has granted Level B and NVG training certification to American Eurocopter’s AS350 full flight simulator (shown above). The approval allows Part 135 operators to receive training credits for a variety of missions, including helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS), offshore, law enforcement, utility and corporate/VIP transport. The simulator, which can be used for both AS350B2 and B3 variants, has a full cabin for crew resource management (CRM) training with NVG, autopilot, moving map and searchlight.

Stan Rose, HAI director of safety, following the Safety Committee’s Town Hall meeting. HAI hosted a number of safety-focused meetings during Heli-Expo.